Intelligentsia Direct Trade Black Cat Classic Espresso Roast Light Roast Whole Bean Coffee -12oz
$16.89 ($1.41/ounce)
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$12.79($1.07/ounce)
Buy 1, get 1 25% off select Starbucks coffee
4.6 out of 5 stars with 1426 ratings
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reg $18.99 Sale
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Guests are saying
The reviews highlight a significant divide in guest experiences with this coffee, particularly regarding its classification as an espresso roast. Many guests found it to be a light roast with high acidity and dry beans, leading to disappointment in flavor and brewing results. However, some guests appreciated its smoothness and flavor when brewed correctly, suggesting it may be better suited for drip coffee rather than espresso. Overall, guests recommend careful consideration before purchasing.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
3.9 out of 5 stars with 222 reviews
quality: 3.25 out of 5
taste: 3.16 out of 5
value: 2.97 out of 5
48% would recommend
86 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
22 March, 2026
originally posted on Intelligentsia
A great go to espresso
This was pulled using 20g in a 2oz shot for lattes. This is a good, solid espresso with no frills. Everyone that had it liked it. I enjoyed the fruitier notes of it and used a chocolate syrup at one point to pull out the taste of cola. If you want a solid espresso that will go into every drink without worrying about flavors crashing, or you are looking for a forgiving go to espresso, I'd highly recommend this one.
5 out of 5 stars
11 February, 2026
originally posted on Intelligentsia
The best of the best
The roast date is always less than 7 days. I’ve tried a lot of beans and this is hands down the best. Any intelligentsia roast is high quality. I get the 5lb bag every month or so and it’s well worth it.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
8 February, 2026
I Don't Leave Reviews, But This Was Bad Enough
Not a snob and I float from brand to brand. This was the worst coffee I have ever had. It wasn’t past date. I tried the whole bag. This was god awful.
5 out of 5 stars
2 February, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
I love it! It has such a smooth flavor for lattes. Would definitely recommend trying
4 out of 5 stars
27 January, 2026
originally posted on Intelligentsia
Classic Espresso
My go to espresso. Nice and bold - never disappoints. That is how prefer my espresso. It takes you right to that edge of boldness without the bitter finish. I love to top it off with a bit of lemon rind! Reminds me of what I enjoyed in Italy!
5 out of 5 stars
25 January, 2026
originally posted on Intelligentsia
👍👌
As described! Toasted marshmallow yum undertones are perfection!
5 out of 5 stars
12 January, 2026
originally posted on Intelligentsia
Dependable standard
Dependable and excellent espresso. Works perfectly in my Samremo You single group machine. Makes a great Americano in the morning. It has just enough acidity to be pleasant without any sourness.
5 out of 5 stars
23 December, 2025
originally posted on Intelligentsia
Quality as expected
Essential beans for your breville. Straight double espresso shots are creamy and complex.
5 out of 5 stars
18 December, 2025
originally posted on Intelligentsia
Coffee you need to try
Great coffee and company. The price is competitive and taste is great
5 out of 5 stars
25 November, 2025
originally posted on Intelligentsia
Addicted, you will be too!
I came across Black Cat Classic Espresso several years ago by chance at a niche grocery store in a desperate stupor and need for my espresso fix. I am an addict, have a built in coffee center AND a counter top automatic espresso machine. I had never strayed from two other Italian brand espresso beans. But after that day in the niche grocery store I never went back to those Italian brand espresso beans OR ANY OTHER! I have been 100% loyal to Intelligensia and their espresso beans AND their cups! Spectacular and consistent quality! Delivered fast and reliable! You will not be disappointed!
5 out of 5 stars
7 November, 2025
originally posted on Intelligentsia
Just Try it
One of the best I’ve ever purchased. I have to say that I believe this is one of the best I’ve ever had.
5 out of 5 stars
1 November, 2025
originally posted on Intelligentsia
Love it! My daily espresso bean for over 10 years!
Great beans for my everyday espresso from my Italian dual boiler machine…for the last ten years or more! Their seasonal and speciality roasts are very good too but too pricey for daily shots.
5 out of 5 stars
9 October, 2025
originally posted on Intelligentsia
Smoove
Great blend. Consistent in flavor across batches. Perfect for my daily espressos and americanos.
5 out of 5 stars
7 October, 2025
originally posted on Intelligentsia
My Daily Grind
After much searching and experimenting, Black Cat became my go-to espresso. I sip it and enjoy it everyday.
5 out of 5 stars
5 October, 2025
originally posted on Intelligentsia
The only coffee we buy.
This is a strong coffee with a bold taste —great morning coffee that wakes you up.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
23 July, 2025Verified purchase
Light roasts are great for espresso too
I can see where the negative reviews come from. People don’t understand espresso. Espresso is not about dark or light roast. It’s about skills, patience and right equipment. Yes, light roasts are tricky when pulling espresso shots. I’m using DF64 flat burr grinder and grind pretty fine, finer than the dark roasts. Then, I do longer pulls to keep the sourness to minimum. I found Black Cat by accident but it became my favorite! The smell and fruity-molassy taste keep me looking forward to my mornings. Also, tried it for pour over and it was great too. My advice is to put time and efforts into dialing and you will be rewarded.
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
3 February, 2025
Light to medium roast NOT DARK
This is a light to medium roast. Dry, not espresso roast AT ALL. Should be relabeled “blonde” or “medium” roast.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
19 January, 2025Verified purchase
Not espresso, barely coffee
The packaging is lovely and promises something wonderful. I anticipated a dark roast since the name is black cat espresso. Instead it's a very light roast, super acidic taste, and super dry bean. It compares unfavorably to gas station coffee that's been sitting around all day.
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
4 November, 2024Verified purchase
Too light for espresso
The flavor is great, but it is way too light for an espresso. I think it would be a great light roast coffee. I also noticed when I grind the beans, they don’t grind finely at all. They are super dry and stay in large chunks.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
29 September, 2024
Tan, Dry Cat
This is not an espresso roast. It is overpriced, sad, dry, and light. I definitely would not recommend or purchase again. Flavor is terrible and also very floral, (it actually gave me a terrible headache). Not what I would ever expect or want from an espresso. I don’t want to see through my espresso, (as an experienced barista). Yuck. What a waste of money.